The first public scandal broke after nine seasons on air, with the revelation Amy’s oldest cousin, Josh Duggar, had molested four of his sisters and a babysitter years earlier.
But the story of the family’s deception ran even deeper.
According to a police report released by In Touch Weekly in 2015, when the original molestation allegations were first brought to Jim Bob and Michelle in 2002, they chose to handle it privately, consulting only with church elders instead of reporting the incidents to the police.
Even after learning of additional incidents in 2003, they kept the truth hidden. Instead of contacting the authorities, they sent Josh to a “physical work and counselling” program for three months.
16 months after their initial knowledge, Jim Bob took Josh to an acquaintance, an Arkansas State Trooper, who gave Josh a “stern talk” but filed no official report.
The truth was buried for years, until it was unearthed by In Touch Weekly when it published the police report.
Josh addressed the reports at the time, telling People: “As a young teenager, I acted inexcusably, for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends.”
He admitted he confessed his actions to his parents, who “took several steps to help me address the situation.”
“We spoke with the authorities, where I confessed my wrongdoing, and my parents arranged for me and those affected by my actions to receive counselling,” he said.